Far-Red Carbon Dots as Efficient Light-Harvesting Agents for Enhanced Photosynthesis

Abstract

Sunlight utilization by plants via the photosynthesis process is limited to the visible spectral range. How to expand the utilization spectral range via construction of a hybrid photosynthetic system is a hot topic in this field. In this work, far-red carbon dots (FR-CDs) with excellent water solubility, good biocompatibility, high quantum yield (QY), and superior stability were prepared by a one-step microwave synthesis in 3 min. The as-prepared FR-CDs is an efficient converter transferring ultraviolet A (UV-A) light to 625−800 nm far-red emission, which can be directly absorbed and utilized by chloroplasts. Due to the broader spectral utilization of solar energy and Emerson effect, increased photosynthetic activity can be achieved both in vivo and in vitro when applied for Roman lettuce. The in vitro hybrid photosynthetic system via coating chloroplasts with FR-CDs presents higher electron transfer efficiency between PS II (photosystem II) to PS I (photosystem I), which consequently increases the ATP production. The in vivo experiment further confirms that FR-CDs-treated lettuce can induce a 28.00% higher electron transfer rate compared with the control group, which results in 51.14 and 24.60% enhancement of fresh and dry weights, respectively. This work is expected to provide a way for improving the conversion efficiency from solar energy to chemical energy. (PS II) to photosystem I (PS I), which consequently increases the ATP production. The in vivo experiment further confirms that FR-CDs-treated lettuce can induce a 28.00% higher electron transfer rate compared with the control group, which results in 51.14 and 24.60% enhancement of fresh and dry weights, respectively. This work is expected to provide a way for improving the conversion efficiency from solar energy to chemical energy.

Near‐Infrared Nanophosphor Embedded in Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle with High Light‐Harvesting Efficiency for Dual Photosystem Enhancement

“…The maximum absorption of the reaction center in PSI and PSII is about 700 and 680 nm (denoted as P700 and P680), respectively, to drive photosynthesis. The synergistic effect of P680 and P700 was discovered by Emerson that photosynthetic efficiency enhancement will occur simultaneously driven [3] . Various strategies have been developed to improve the photosynthetic rate of plants.…”

“…The synergistic effect of P680 and P700 was discovered by Emerson that photosynthetic efficiency enhancement will occur simultaneously driven. [3] Various strat-egies have been developed to improve the photosynthetic rate of plants.…”

Influence of Luminescent Nanomaterials on Plant Growth and Development

“…This is the first report on employing the unique dual‐emission trait to augment plant photosynthesis. In 2020, this research team prepared far‐red CDs that can convert ultraviolet light into far‐red emission [57] (Figures 7a, 7b) and NaYF 4 :Yb,Er@CDs nanocomposites that can convert NIR irradiation into red light (Figures 7c, 7d) [58] …”

Surface chemical functionality of carbon dots: influence on the structure and energy storage performance of the layered double hydroxide

“…In addition, the chemical surface properties of CDs can be adjusted by doping various heteroatoms, such as N, F, B, S and Mg to improve their performance. [19][20][21][22][23] It has been demonstrated that the CDs attached to the composites can not only increase the ion transport interface between the electrode and electrolyte, but also improve the conductivity of the composite material through edge effect and quantum constraint, effectively improving the specic capacitance and specic capacity, as well as cycling stability. 24,25 For example, Hou et al synthesized carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and their derivative 3D porous carbon frameworks and applied them to sodium ion batteries, which had a long cycle life and excellent multiplier performance.…”